Bowser's Greatest Battles With Mario

In less than a month, we're going to have a whole new Mario adventure on our hands. As we've all seen, Bowser is back, hatching some new scheme to steal Princess Peach as well as Mario's collection of Tanooki suits, apparently.

Battling Bowser in our recent demo got us thinking - what are the best fights we've had with the Mushroom Kingdom's King Koopa? Which battles were most memorable? Most original? Most thrilling? We've compiled our favorite Bowser battles, complete with some YouTube clips to help jog your memory. When you're through, give us your thoughts on your personal favorite Bowser fights.

Also: Spoilers and stuff.

Release Date: August 26, 2002
Platform: GameCube
Why It's Great: The fight with Bowser in Super Mario Sunshine, much like the game itself, was at once epic and just not what most Mario fans were looking for. One thing you have to give it, though, was that it was considerably different from most Bowser battles, having Mario run around trying to destroy the King Koopa's hot tub while dodging flame attacks. Still, the fact that it took place in a hot tub at all was just... strange. Seriously, we went through all that trouble and even braved a volcano just to find Bowser and his son soaking in a giant hot tub with the princess? Odd. Despite its flaws, however, you have to admit this battle was pretty great.




Release Date: November 12, 2007
Platform: Wii
Why It's Great: Though not as epic as the final battle its sequel produced, the last encounter with Bowser in Super Mario Galaxy was still amazing. Utilizing the impressive physics the game pioneered, this battle had Mario running around a small planet, dodging obstacles and various Bowser attacks, all while trying to get in a smack of his own when the timing was just right. Leading into a touching ending that brought the whole tale to a close, this encounter was unforgettable, and easily deserves a spot on our list.




Release Date: November 15, 2009
Platform: Wii
Why It's Great: Whether playing on your own or with a buddy, the final Bowser fight in Super Mario Bros. Wii was undeniably epic. The best part was that after taking down the big, mean Koopa, Kamek shows up and throws things into chaos. Just when you think you've finally prevailed, a giant Bowser comes barreling after you, forcing you to race to safety Super Metroid-style before he or his fireballs finish you off. If that didn't get your heart racing, nothing will.




Release Date: February 12, 1990
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Why It's Great: The fight with Bowser in Super Mario Bros. 3 was genius because of the strategy necessary to win. No longer was Mario trying to get from left to right. He was merely trying to survive.

Bowser's aerial attacks destroyed the ground beneath him and his nemesis. Not only was the gameplay design superb, but it was incredibly intuitive. One or two attacks and any player could understand the winning strategy.




Release Date: August 23, 1991
Platform: Super NES
Why It's Great: Bowser's flying Clown Car. Of all Mario's great fights, most of us remember the hovering bucket with the creepy smile that emoted as it was damaged. Though this battle was fairly basic compared to the one we got from Mario's move to 3D, its iconic imagery will always stick with us.

We'd really love to know where Bowser got that car though... that thing is amazing.




Release Date: November 1985
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
Why It's Great: This was the battle that started it all. Though downright primitive compared to some of the confrontations that would come over the next quarter century, it's tough to deny how influential this first fight with Mario's nemesis was. Plus it was hilarious to grab the iconic axe at the end of the bridge and watch Bowser plummet into the lava. Why can't Mario wield an axe more often?




Release Date: May 23, 2010
Platform: Wii
Why it's Great: Improving upon the already excellent Bowser fights from the first game, Galaxy 2 took things to the next level by tossing in some new mechanics. It was very similar to the Galaxy fight in that you were traversing a small planet, but Bowser's attacks were kicked up a notch, forcing players to stay on their guard to survive.

Much like in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the final fight isn't over when you think it is, ultimately culminating in a heated race to smack some floating orbs into Bowser's face before he catches up with you. No wonder we gave this battle the distinction of best boss fight in last year's Game of the Year awards.




Release Date: September 26, 1996
Platform: Nintendo 64
Why It's Great: We'd never seen Bowser like this before. After a decade of running underneath or jumping over the King Koopa, we finally faced the evil villain in full 3D. Running around narrow platforms, while trying to grab the big bad guy and throw him into floating mines was unlike anything we had ever seen.

This wasn't the first time we'd ever fought Bowser, but it changed the way we would forever. Look out, Mario. Saving the princess just got harder.





Bowser may be over two decades old, but his battles with Mario are the stuff of legend - some of the best encounters we've seen in the history of the video game industry. Do you agree with our ranking of Nintendo's King Koopa creations? Did we miss something? Do you even like Bowser battles? Sound off in the comments!

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